Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — The ambitious Jeddah Tower, set to redefine global architectural standards, has achieved a significant construction milestone by surpassing the 100-floor mark. Rising from the Red Sea city, this futuristic skyscraper has now reached approximately 400 meters in height, moving steadily towards its projected final height of over 1,000 meters.
Once completed, the Jeddah Tower will become the first building in history to breach the one-kilometer barrier, comfortably dwarfing Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa, which stands at 828 meters. Current plans suggest an architectural height of around 1,008 meters.
Rapid Progress After Delays
The project has seen a dramatic acceleration in construction since its official restart in early 2025. After climbing from roughly 80 floors in late 2025 to over 100 within months, the long-delayed mega-project appears firmly back on track. This rapid pace signals renewed commitment to what many consider one of the world's most ambitious unfinished buildings.
Construction initially began in 2013 but faced a significant halt in 2018 due to financial challenges, contractor issues, and broader economic uncertainties. The site remained largely dormant for several years before Saudi authorities revived the initiative as part of the kingdom's broader infrastructure development push.
A Vertical City: Design and Features
Designed by renowned architect Adrian Smith, who also designed the Burj Khalifa, the Jeddah Tower features a unique three-petal footprint and a tapered shape. This innovative design is crucial for mitigating wind loads at extreme altitudes. Engineers have implemented a sophisticated concrete-based structural system, anchored by a massive foundation comprising hundreds of deep piles.
The skyscraper is planned to feature more than 167 storeys and over 250 total levels, including mechanical floors and a colossal spire. It is conceived as a mixed-use "vertical city," offering:
- Luxury residences
- Premium office spaces
- A five-star hotel
- High-end retail areas
- Multiple observation decks, including what will be the world's highest, providing panoramic views of Jeddah and the Red Sea.
The building is expected to house nearly 60 elevators and millions of square feet of usable space, promising a comprehensive urban experience within a single structure.
Anticipated Completion
Current projections indicate that the Jeddah Tower could be completed around 2028. However, some industry estimates suggest that the final stages might extend into 2029, depending on ongoing construction progress. Should these timelines hold, the tower will not only claim the title of the world's tallest building but also mark a historic achievement as the first structure to rise above one kilometer.